Defense_Wins_Games

The substituting for Conner still baffles me. They have about 14 girls on the bench but only about 7.5 see any playing time. I understand the need to win. It if your other girls aren't getting time you're going to wish they did when push comes to shove and you need them. Maybe there will come games when more playing time will be passed around and experienced gained but so far I'm no sure that will happen.

Prayer to Coach Clinkenbeard and for a speedy recovery.... This was posted on Cincinnati.com this afternoon. With over 70 percent of the offense lost to senior graduation, this was slated to be a transition season for the highly successful Walton-Verona girls’ basketball team. It’s now a season of sudden change that’s bringing into focus life’s priorities. Head coach Mark Clinkenbeard, winner of more than 100 games including a regional championship and an All “A” Classic state title in six seasons, has stepped away from the sideline following a health scare. Clinkenbeard, 51, suffered a thoracic aortic dissection just hours after a Nov. 17 scrimmage against Conner. He was hospitalized that evening in the intensive care unit at St. Elizabeth Edgewood where he remained for six days. “I thought we played well and were looking good against Conner. I was happy with the girls,” Clinkenbeard said. “It went from the high of thinking maybe we can do something this year to being in the hospital two hours later.” The coach was able to return home Nov. 23 in time for Thanksgiving. Results of a Friday blood test sent him back to the hospital the next day. He’s been at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati all week, with an expected release date no later than Saturday. On Tuesday, he was out of intensive care for a second time since the episode. Clinkenbeard, an Eighth Region and Northern Kentucky coach of the year recipient, counts himself lucky and blessed. “I wouldn’t be here if not for modern medicine and finding it early,” said the coach. He guided the Bearcats to a 24-9 record last season. “I’m happy we found it.” Early detection and treatment of thoracic aortic dissection is critical to surviving this uncommon but serious condition. The event occurs when a tear inside the aorta causes blood to flow between the inner and middle layers, causing them to separate or dissect. If the blood-filled area ruptures through the outside aortic wall, dissection is often fatal. It’s associated with a sudden onset of severe chest or back pain and kills about 50 percent of sufferers in the first 48 hours. Prognosis post-incident is generally good but situations vary and extreme caution is exercised by physicians who treat it. “Because of the location of the dissection in the entire descending aorta, surgery (at first) was ruled too risky,” Clinkenbeard said. “As a result, doctors said it is imperative that over the next year I let my body have an opportunity to repair. My doctor advised that I relinquish my coaching duties this season. They’ve decided now that surgery is OK following a three-week period and I’m scheduled for surgery late next week. I won’t be going anywhere near a basketball court for a while.” Longtime Walton-Verona girls’ and boys’ assistant Mike Ballinger has assumed head coaching duties in Clinkenbeard’s absence. “He’s been at the school for a while and he knows the team,” said Clinkenbeard, who’s coached a daughter and had two sons play for the Walton-Verona boys. “With proper rest, healthier lifestyle and appropriate medication, my goal is to return for the 2017-18 season. The doctor said I should be fine.” Clinkenbeard dictated a letter to his wife Missy, who read it to the team last week with Ballinger, a third-year girls’ assistant, at her side. “He’s been running all the practices. I hope to be able to do some administrative work at some point during the season. I’ve seen the team (on video) and I hope to talk to him every day.” Despite the change and playing with heavy hearts, the girls were off to a 2-0 start under Ballinger’s direction thanks to the offensive play of juniors Rachel Lehkamp and Alyson Poore and sophomore Brooke Perry. Lehkamp and Poore scored 15 points each in the Nov. 28 season opener against visiting Newport. “It’s a great incentive to be back with them and all 15 girls,” Clinkenbeard said. “The focus is on me getting better so I can be well enough to come back to the team."

They have Duncan who is the 5'10 senior.....I have been impressed by McLemore so far. Last year she didn't see many varsity minutes but you can tell she has worked on her game. She's tough physically and has improved on her shooting skills. I remember only seeing her being able to hit the layup or draw and dish. She seems to be coming a more rounded player. Pretty sure they are loaded on guards from here until 2025.

Obviously starting fives are not set in stone, but from what I have seen, its been Duncan, Burcham, McLemore, Hurst and Jordan. Not sure which other big you are talking about, could be Roberts (SR) or Drummonds (FR), neither of which have started. Roberts, I think is out again for her knee, not sure of return date.

She's in there just not necessarily at the point.

JV won as well, 56-22. Below is the box score from the varsity game: Conner 69, Ludlow 21 Ludlow (0-1)–Mahan 1 0 2, Lovell 1 0 3, Lantry 1 1 4, Garrett 0 2 2, Turner 2 0 5, Warndorf 2 1 5. Totals: 7 4 21. Conner (1-0)–Watts 3 0 6, Carr 1 0 3, Strange 2 0 4, Hurst 5 0 11, Jordan 1 1 3, Hite 0 2 2, McLemore 4 0 9, Burcham 6 0 13, Kennedy 3 0 8, Duncan 3 0 6, Drummonds 1 0 2, Hubbard 1 0 2. Totals: 30 3 69. Halftime: C 42-11. 3-pointers: C 6 (Kennedy 2, Burcham, McLemore, Hurst, Carr); L 3 (Lovell, Lantry, Turner).

25-23 Conner 28-26 Scott 25-23 Conner *not positive about this score but know Conner won* 27-25 Conner Conner is still missing sophomore Katie Reeves who is suffering from a concussion and is hopefully back soon. Conner looked very good, the rotations for this game seemed to work. Scott's Kelly Franxman is amazing!

Those 13 blocks were Lauren's alone. She was fierce for sure!

It was good to see senior setter DeAndrea Atwood back. Although under the weather still performed great. Sophomore Katie Reeves had about 30 digs and senior Lauren Watts had 13 blocks. Simon Kenton talks really well on the floor and hustle after every ball. 25-20 L 25-13 W 25-18 W 25-20 W

Respectfully, our definitions of a leader are different. Being positive on the floor is a start but there is a lot more to leading a team while on the floor and from the side line.

Where to even start with this one? Conner was not ready to play. However credit still due to the Lady Camels. Someone needs to start being a leader on the floor for Conner IMO. They have five seniors but not a clear leader on the floor. Someone who can calm them or bring them up when necessary. This could make all the difference for this team. When Conner is firing on all cylinders they are a fun team to watch. Hopefully one day of practice can make a difference as they face Cooper tomorrow. Good luck to the Lady Cougars!

Conner loses to Newport Central Catholic in pool play at the Scott September Slam tourney. It was good to see NCC's setter back in action. She went down when they played at Conner with an ankle injury. Also back was Conner's senior April Feldhaus.

Pool Play Conner vs Dixie (L) Conner vs Atherton (W) Conner vs Holy Cross (W) Conner vs Highlands (W) Gold Bracket Game Conner vs Highlands (W) MVP for Conner D'Andrea Atwood

The setter on JV will most likely set for Conner next two years after senior setter graduates. On varsity she is playing outsider hitter. To help develop her setting skills they have her setting JV.

1st game 21-13 2nd game 21-12

1st game NCC 25-23 2nd game Conner 25-18 3rd game NCC 27-25 4th game Conner 25-23 5th game Conner 15-13

She got chewed up and spit put by the parents....

Conner was for sure firing on all cylinders for this game. IMO, the setting for Cooper was a little soft....didn't seem like the setter and hitters were on the same page but when they connected wow! Cooper has a couple of great hitters.

Anyone know how the games went yesterday for the 8th grade girls?